Is Manganiello's DEATHSTROKE Still In THE BATMAN? Actor 'Can't Say'

By Chris Arrant, Editor July 28, 2017 08:27am ET

Credit: Warner Bros.

Joe Manganiello

Credit: HBO

Geoff Johns announced in September 2016 that Joe Manganiello would be playing Deathstroke in Ben Affleck's first solo Batman film, but now the actor himself can't confirm that his role remains in the film.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the True Blood alum was cagey when asked about his role following Affleck's departure as director and incoming director Matt Reeves statement that they're not using the movie's original script (by Johns and Affleck) which included a role for Deathstroke.

"I don't [have any information on that," said Manganiello. "Well, I do but nothing that I can share. I know everything but I can’t say any of it."

THR's Seth Abramovitch then asked for clarification on the intended tone of that answer ("a happy way or a downtrodden way") with the actor saying "I'm shooting for a neutral tone."

As for when Manganiello's involvement in the planned film would be known, he said it was a studio call.

"It’s not up to me," said Manganiello. "That’s a good question for Warner Bros. and DC."

Manganiello is currently filming Rampage opposite DC's Black Adam, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. After that he has signed on for lead roles in the films Stano and Shoplifters of the World.